Dear Mr. Gorell,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to convey the concerns that have arisen within our community regarding the recent flyer you distributed, with particular focus on the first sentence, “I stand with Israel.” This sentence has evoked a notably negative reaction among readers, transcending various faiths and even extending to those who hold no religious beliefs. While we recognize the alignment of the flyer with the United States’ national planning strategy and foreign policy relations, we wish to address the concerns surrounding its overall tone and impact.
The sentence “I stand with Israel” is being interpreted by many individuals, regardless of their faith backgrounds, as unwelcoming and insensitive to the ongoing suffering, which is widely acknowledged as a grave humanitarian crisis endured by the Palestinian people. The phrasing employed in the flyer has unintentionally stifled empathetic dialogue and hindered a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse perspectives within our society. In light of this, we kindly request that you remain open to direct engagement with members of the Muslim community to foster a more inclusive and constructive conversation. We wish to emphasize that our intention is not to criticize but to cultivate an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
As fellow human beings and Americans, we hold in high regard your past contributions, achievements, and kindness to our community. We acknowledge the efforts made by Ventura County officials to ensure the safety of all Americans affected by the conflict in Gaza. However, it is of paramount importance to recognize the profound concerns resonating within our community for the well-being of all individuals affected in the region, including the Palestinians. The flyer references both “Imam” and “Rabbi,” signifying the diversity of perspectives within these leadership roles. Notably, many Jews do not condone the actions taken by the Israeli government, just as it is unrealistic to assume unanimous support from Muslim imams for all aspects of U.S. foreign policy during the ongoing crisis. Recent discussions and letters, such as the one from student bodies at Harvard, have exposed the hesitance of various student groups to extend unconditional support for what is perceived as an internationally sponsored military operation leading to potentially devastating loss of innocent lives.
Such statements as “I stand with Israel” with no acknowledgement that Palestinians abroad and at home are worthy of the same degree of support is already leading to an increase in hate crimes against Palestinians here in the United States. We need look no further than this past weekend when an innocent six-year old was stabbed to death in his home, by his own landlord. It is hoped that our leadership would be more even-handed and not find it impossible or shameful to say in the same breath if necessary, that you also stand with the people of Gaza and Palestine. The history books will always have an answer as to why terrible things happen to good people, and none of us would want to provide the rhetoric behind the fervor of such terrible crimes.
Our objective is to contribute to a more open and informed dialogue that encourages mutual understanding among all concerned parties. We aspire to see our officials approach matters with an even-handed consideration for every human life. We would like to see our leaders wish the best for all individuals equally. It is essential to recognize that not every Palestinian sanctions or supports Hamas, and the flyer appears to overlook this complexity. Muslims are asking why those who are already facing hardships should endure further humiliation. We genuinely appreciate your willingness to engage with our community to address these concerns. Your ongoing commitment to fostering positive communication and mutual respect is greatly valued and welcomed.
Sincerely,
Muhammed S Mehtar
Imaam-ICCV
P.s. The above represents my personal views and not a representative of any entity.